Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!

Book Essentials for Aspiring Designers & Architects!

Purple Star emoji 15 items
As an Architecture graduate, I've learned that a great project starts with great knowledge. This is a collection of the books that have been my go-to guides, from design fundamentals to real-world construction. Think of this as your essential library...
Sections
3
 
 
 

Architecture

This is my go-to library for everything architecture. Whether you're a student, a professional, or just a design enthusiast, these books have shaped my understanding of form, space, and the built environment. From foundational principles to modern ma...

 
Mika profile picture
This is the quintessential book for anyone in architecture. Ching's meticulous hand-drawn illustrations and clear explanations make complex concepts of form and space incredibly easy to grasp. It's the kind of book you'll keep on your shelf and refer...
Architecture: Form, Space, and Order by Francis D. K. Ching
 
Mika profile picture
This is a fun and incredibly practical book. It distills complex lessons into simple, one-page spreads with a diagram and a note. It's perfect for students and professionals alike, offering quick reminders and clever insights into the craft of archit...
101 Things I Learned in Architecture School|Hardcover
 
Mika profile picture
If you're serious about the technical side of design, this is the one book you need. I've used this as my go-to reference for countless projects, and it's a lifesaver when you need quick data on anything from standard dimensions to building codes. It...
Planning And Designers Handbook
 
Mika profile picture
For any architect, engineer, or builder in the Philippines, this isn't just a book, it's your ultimate guide. Keeping a physical copy of the National Building Code and its IRR on your desk is non-negotiable. It's the definitive resource for ensuring ...
National Building Code
 
Mika profile picture
If you're an architecture, engineering student, a contractor, or anyone new to the world of construction, this book is an absolute must-have. Fajardo has a gift for making the complicated process of project estimation incredibly simple and straightfo...
SIMPLIFIED CONSTRUCTION ESTIMATE third edition by Max fajardo
 
Mika profile picture
Considered the bible of building construction, this book uses Ching's signature hand-drawn illustrations to explain every aspect of a building, from its foundation to its roof. It's perfect for both students and seasoned professionals.
Building Construction Illustrated by Francis D.K. Ching
 
Mika profile picture
This is an essential addition for your list, as it provides a comprehensive look at the evolution of Philippine architecture. It's a key resource for understanding the country's unique design identity.
Arkitekturang Pilipino: A History of Architecture and Built ...
 
Mika profile picture
This is the ultimate pocket guide for anyone in architecture. Forget struggling with jargon Ching's clear, beautiful illustrations make it incredibly easy to understand even the most complicated terms, from a flying buttress to a fenestration. It's t...
Francis D.K. Ching A Visual Dictionary of Architecture Second Edition
 
Mika profile picture
A must-read for architecture lovers! The Autobiography of an Idea by Louis Sullivan shares the vision behind his famous “form follows function” philosophy and his journey as the father of the skyscraper. Perfect for students, designers, and anyone cu...
The Autobiography of an Idea|eBook

Design

As a designer, my toolkit goes beyond software it includes the books that have taught me how to think, create, and find inspiration. This is a collection of essential reads that have shaped my design principles, from mastering the fundamentals to und...

 
Mika profile picture
This isn't just a book; it's a hands-on tool for anyone who loves or works with color. The tear-out swatches and practical advice make it incredibly useful for a designer, an artist, or even a hobbyist just starting out. It takes the theory of color ...
The Complete Color Harmony Workbook: A Workbook and Guide to Creative Color Combinations E-Book

eBooks

 
Mika profile picture
A landmark book that challenged the principles of modernism. Venturi argues for a more nuanced and pluralistic approach to design, embracing complexity and contradiction in architecture. It's a key text for understanding postmodernism.
Complexity and Contradiction in Architecture
 
Mika profile picture
Learn how Lynch introduces the concept of “imageability” how legible and recognizable a city is to its inhabitants. He identifies five key elements of a city's image (paths, edges, districts, nodes, and landmarks) that are crucial for urban planning ...
Kevin Lynch – The Image of the City
 
Mika profile picture
A philosophical and poetic book that explores the emotional and psychological impact of buildings and spaces. Bachelard invites you to consider how our memories and feelings are tied to the homes and rooms we inhabit, offering a more human-centered p...
Gaston Bachelard's "The Poetics of Space,"
 
Mika profile picture
A powerful and beautifully illustrated book that advocates for a human-centered approach to urban design. Gehl argues that by designing cities for people to walk, cycle, and linger, we can create healthier, safer, and more vibrant communities.
Cities for People - Jan Gehl
 
Mika profile picture
A key text of the Gothic Revival movement, Ruskin's book focuses on the moral and spiritual importance of architecture. It's a philosophical and poetic look at the values that should guide the craft of building.
THE SEVEN LAMPS OF ARCHITECTURE